Q&A with Kerry Kennedy, President of the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center

Schools That Can honored extraordinary leaders with the 2026 Leaders That Can Awards, designed to recognize exceptional individuals for their leadership. This year's winners exemplify deep investment in the futures of their communities, charting a path of opportunity for younger generations. First launched in 2017, the Schools That Can Leaders That Can Awards are held in conjunction with the Senator RFK Education Awards, honoring outstanding school leaders, teachers, and students. Below, 2026 Leaders That Can winner Kerry Kennedy, President of the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center, shared words of wisdom about advice she would give young people, leadership, and more. Kerry is a human rights activist and lawyer, as well as an author of New York Times best seller Being Catholic Now, as well as Speak Truth to Power, Robert F. Kennedy: Ripples of Hope, and the forthcoming Ethel Kennedy: The Extraordinary Life and Bold Legacy. She has devoted more than 40 years to the pursuit of equal justice, the promotion and protection of basic rights, and the preservation of the rule of law. Her work focuses on a range of issues, including child labor, women’s rights, freedom of expression, and much more. Learn more about Kerry's work here.

What is the most fulfilling part of your career so far?

I work with the bravest people on earth: Women and men who face imprisonment, torture, and death for basic rights most of us are lucky enough to take for granted.  They are the Rosa Parks and Nelson Mandelas of their communities. The most inspiring, thrilling, and breathtaking part of my career is working in partnership with my heroes.

To you, what is a leader?

A leader understands first and foremost that those closest to the problem are closest to the solution. Perhaps their greatest gift is the ability to listen and learn. A leader strives to look for and bring out the best in everyone.  The greatest leaders I know are serious and strategic about the cause, but are also blessed with a sense of humor about themselves and find joy all around them. Nearly all of them have a deep sense of faith. They are committed to making the world or some part of it more just, more peaceful, more verdant, more compassionate.

What advice would you give students today, who are in the process of building their futures?

First, you have already learned the hard part: balancing academics with family, a social life, sports, and extracurriculars. Once you’ve mastered that, you are well on your way. Think back on your life to when you were at your happiest.  If you are like most people, it will be a time when you felt you were using your talents to serve the community. That’s the secret of success: to serve with a loving heart.  Third, if there is an iota of faith in you, work on developing your faith. That will help you be grateful for the good times and to learn the lessons that the tough times serve to teach.